The opening page of the new Sacred Heart website has a greeting from Fr. Bill Elser introducing the site along with links to connect users to the many functions of the site.

Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church recently launched a new website to improve communications both within the parish as well as with the community at large.  The effort to design, test and implement this new website began many months ago.  Fortunately, within the parish was someone very familiar with computer software applications.  Mike Miller, before moving to Hot Springs Village, owned and operated a software development company.  Mike accepted the challenge of helping to design and install a website but it was recognized that to be effective it would require close coordination and maintenance within the parish.  To accomplish this, in August 2010, Lynne Border joined the parish staff as Organist and Business Associate.

Lynne and Mike carefully evaluated the needs of the parish and set about designing the site so that it would be very user friendly, recognizing the many diverse users there would be.  Ultimately launched at the end of 2010, the website has met all of the goals that were originally set and continues to evolve.  In addition to the usual content found on a church website such as news, commentary from the Pastor and a copy of the church bulletin, the website has many unique features.  Visitors to the site can check the current Prayer List, read Today’s Scripture Readings, find other websites from the parish or diocese to explore and even email a greeting card to a patient in any one of the local Hot Springs or Little Rock hospitals.  One of the key features of the site is an interactive calendar.  Visitors to the site can check for scheduled activities by month and they can focus on one day or even focus on one specific activity to obtain the scheduling information they are seeking.  In addition, any information viewed on the website can also be printed.

The parish recently conducted a portrait photography activity where each parishioner had the opportunity to have their picture taken.  In the past, the pictures were then used by the church to publish a parish picture directory.  This time, in addition to publishing a picture directory, there will be a picture directory available on the website with plans to update it as new members join the church, a feature not available with a printed directory.

The usage of the new Sacred Heart website has been steadily increasing.  It has proven to be an excellent way to make communications timely and effective.  As usage continues to increase more and more innovations will be added.  Several innovations are already in the works.  Those interested in visiting the website are welcome to take a look at www.hsvsacredheart.com.